HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — With many jobs expected to eventually rely on generative artificial intelligence, states are trying to help workers beef up their tech skills before they become outdated and get outfoxed by machines that are becoming increasingly smarter.

Connecticut is working to create what proponents believe will be the country’s first Citizens AI Academy, a free online repository of curated classes that users can take to learn basic skills or obtain a certificate needed for employment.

“This is a rapidly evolving area,” said state Democratic Sen. James Maroney. “So we need to all learn what are the best sources for staying current. How can we update our skills? Who can be trusted sources?”

Determining what skills are necessary in an AI world can be a challenge for state legislators given the fast-moving nature of the technology and differing opinions about what approach is best.

Gregory LaBlanc, professor of Finance, Strategy and Law at the Haas School of Business at Berkeley Law School in California, says workers should be taught how to use and manage generative AI rather than how the technology works, partly because computers will soon be better able to perform certain tasks previously performed by humans.

“What we need is to lean into things that complement AI as opposed to learning to be really bad imitators of AI,” he said. “We need to figure out what is AI not good at and then teach those things. And those things are generally things like creativity, empathy, high level problem solving.”

He said historically people have not needed to understand technological advancements in order for them to succeed.

“When when electricity came along, we didn’t tell everybody that they needed to become electrical engineers,” LeBlanc said.

This year, at least four states — Connecticut, California, Mississippi and Maryland — proposed legislation that attempted to deal with AI in the classroom somehow. They ranged from Connecticut’s planned AI Academy, which was originally included in a wide-ranging AI regulation bill that failed but the concept is still being developed by state education officials, to proposed working groups that examine how AI can be incorporated safely in public schools. Such a bill died in the Mississippi legislature while the others remain in flux.

One bill in California would require a state working group to consider incorporating AI literacy skills into math, science, history and social science curriculums.

“AI has the potential to positively impact the way we live, but only if we know how to use it, and use it responsibly,” said the bill’s author, Assemblymember Marc Berman, in a statement. “No matter their future profession, we must ensure that all students understand basic AI principles and applications, that they have the skills to recognize when AI is employed, and are aware of AI’s implications, limitations, and ethical considerations.”

The bill is backed by the California Chamber of Commerce. CalChamber Policy Advocate Ronak Daylami said in a statement that incorporating information into existing school curricula will “dispel the stigma and mystique of the technology, not only helping students become more discerning and intentional users and consumers of AI, but also better positioning future generations of workers to succeed in an AI-driven workforce and hopefully inspiring the next generation of computer scientists.”

While Connecticut’s planned AI Academy is expected to offer certificates to people who complete certain skills programs that might be needed for careers, Maroney said the academy will also include the basics, from digital literacy to how to pose questions to a chatbot.

He said it’s important for people to have the skills to understand, evaluate and effectively interact with AI technologies, whether it’s a chatbot or machines that learn to identify problems and make decisions that mimic human decision-making.

“Most jobs are going to require some form of literacy,” Maroney said. “I think that if you aren’t learning how to use it, you’ll be at a disadvantage.”

A September 2023 study released by the job-search company Indeed found all U.S. jobs listed on the platform had skills that could be performed or augmented by generative AI. Nearly 20% of the jobs were considered “highly exposed,” which means the technology is considered good or excellent at 80% or more of the skills that were mentioned in the Indeed job listings.

Nearly 46% of the jobs on the platform were “moderately exposed,” which means the GenAI can perform 50% to 80% of the skills.

Maroney said he is concerned how that skills gap — coupled with a lack of access to high-speed internet, computers and smart phones in some underserved communities — will exacerbate the inequity problem.

A report released in February from McKinsey and Company, a global management consulting firm, projected that generative AI could increase household wealth in the U.S. by nearly $500 billion by 2045, but it would also increase the wealth gap between Black and white households by $43 billion annually.

Advocates have been working for years to narrow the nation’s digital skills gap, often focusing on the basics of computer literacy and improving access to reliable internet and devices, especially for people living in urban and rural areas. The advent of AI brings additional challenges to that task, said Marvin Venay, chief external affairs and advocacy officer for the Massachusetts-based organization Bring Tech Home.

“Education must be included in order for this to really take off publicly … in a manner which is going to give people the ability to eliminate their barriers,” he said of AI. “And it has to be able to explain to the most common individual why it is not only a useful tool, but why this tool will be something that can be trusted.”

Tesha Tramontano-Kelly, executive director of the Connecticut-based group CfAL for Digital Inclusion, said she worries lawmakers are “putting the cart before the horse” when it comes to talking about AI training. Ninety percent of the youths and adults who use her organization’s free digital literacy classes don’t have a computer in the home.

While Connecticut is considered technologically advanced compared to many other states and nearly every household can get internet service, a recent state digital equity study found only about three-quarters subscribe to broadband. A survey conducted as part of the study found 47% of respondents find it somewhat or very difficult to afford internet service.

Of residents who reported household income at or below 150% of the federal poverty level, 32% don’t own a computer and 13% don’t own any internet enabled device.

Tramontano-Kelly said ensuring the internet is accessible and technology equipment is affordable are important first steps.

“So teaching people about AI is super important. I 100% agree with this,” she said. “But the conversation also needs to be about everything else that goes along with AI.”

Guess what? The fresh blueberries you buy at the store are not wild blueberries. My fascination with wild blueberries began as a child when I stumbled upon them while wandering the woods. Unlike their cultivated cousins, true wild blueberries grow naturally without human intervention, thriving in the harsh climates of northern Maine and parts of Canada. Research shows that they naturally grow in barrens created by glaciers 10,000 years ago. These berries spread underground through rhizomes, forming dense, low bushes. They are smaller and burst with intense, nuanced flavors that make each bite unique as it is delicious. If you’re curious about trying them, you’re in luck! Blueberry season is upon us starting late July.

In the summer of 2022, I was introduced to the wonders of the true wild blueberry— a serendipitous encounter that led me on a journey to northern Maine with the Wild Blueberry Association of North America. There, I had the privilege of hand raking wild blueberries alongside the Passamaquoddy. This experience deepened my appreciation for these resilient berries and the people who have cherished them for generations. I spoke to Holli Francis, the product manager at Passamaquoddy Blueberries to get more insights into their rich cultural heritage and unwavering commitment to sustainability. Here are 5 things to know about wild blueberries and the voices who have been stewarding the land for thousands of years.

Historical and Cultural Significance

For the Passamaquoddy people, wild blueberries are more than just a source of sustenance; they are a cornerstone of cultural identity. “The Passamaquoddy way of life was to hunt, fish, trap, and gather food and medicine, and employ the environment’s natural resources to sustain their communities” Francis says. Historically, these berries were consumed alongside abundant seafood reflecting the tribe’s deep connection to their coastal environment. The name “Passamaquoddy” itself translates to “people who spear pollock,” highlighting their intimate relationship with nature. Wild blueberries were also used as a form of medicine, a practice now supported by scientific evidence showing their high antioxidant and anthocyanin content. Additionally, these berries served as a dye for sweetgrass used in basket weaving and other crafts, showcasing their multifaceted role in Passamaquoddy life.

Sustainable Harvesting Practices

The Passamaquoddy Tribe has long employed sustainable practices to ensure the longevity of wild blueberry plants. Unlike traditional farming– where soil is disturbed– the tribe allows these hardy plants to thrive naturally in the rocky, dry barrens of Maine. Harvesting is done without planting, preserving the natural landscape. The tribe manages their 2,000 acres on a biennial cycle, harvesting 1,000 acres each year to allow the plants to rest and regenerate. Off-year burning of fields promotes regeneration and reduces pests, a practice that aligns with modern sustainable agriculture principles.

Sacred Connection and Community Gathering

Every year, hundreds of Passamaquoddy people as well as other Wabanaki tribes of all ages gather to harvest, share, strengthen and connect with their communities– the annual wild blueberry harvest is a sacred tradition. “It’s a short harvest – just four weeks – but it is important for many tribal members to feel a connection to Earth’s bounty,” says Francis. During the harvest, they gather to hand-rake blueberries, a method passed down through generations. I had the opportunity to try it out and I can tell you first-hand that it certainly isn’t easy! It requires patience, skill and technique. Some skilled pickers can fill up to 50 crates of wild blueberries a day.

At the end of the day, this event is more than just a harvest; it is a time for community, connection, and cultural preservation. Despite historical challenges and encroachments, families come together to strengthen bonds and maintain traditions, passing it down for the next generations to come. The harvest symbolizes resilience and the enduring strength of the Passamaquoddy culture. Like many Indigenous tribes of North America, they have faced substantial loss of their ancestral lands to colonization in addition to dealing with cultural suppression and economic hardships. “The wild blueberries remain strong. Families join us at our barrens for a sense of community, connection and a feeling of centuries past.” says Francis.

Organizations such as the Wild Blueberry Association (WBA) have largely centered Indigenous voices alongside their efforts to fund further research into the wild blueberries and beyond. As a result, they are making significant strides when it comes to preserving Indigenous knowledge and encouraging folks to eat wild and partnering with companies like Wyman’s to get them into the hands of as many people as possible. This year, the WBA is hosting their fourth annual Wild Blueberry Weekend where folks can tour wild blueberry farms, pick wild blueberries and learn all about the origins of the fruit. They’ve even partnered with venues such as the Bissell Brothers to spread the wild blueberry joy and knowledge by offering menu items such as blueberry pie ice cream, or corn pudding with blueberry compote.

Economic Impact and Tribal Sustainability

Wild blueberries play a crucial economic role for the Passamaquoddy community as they were among the first to harvest wild blueberries and have been doing so for over 1,000 years. The tribe’s ownership of the Passamaquoddy Wild Blueberry Company (PWBC) allows them to reinvest profits into the business, creating jobs for tribal members and supporting community initiatives at Pleasant Point and Indian Township. This economic model fosters self-sufficiency and ensures that the benefits of wild blueberry cultivation are felt directly within the community, reinforcing the tribe’s commitment to sustainable development and cultural preservation.

The economic impact extends beyond just job creation. The PWBC’s operations provide full-time, year-round, and seasonal jobs for Passamaquoddy Tribe members, contributing significantly to the local economy. By maintaining traditional practices and adapting to market demands, the company has managed to remain economically viable while honoring cultural traditions​ (Maine Made)

Challenges and Opportunities

Despite their deep-rooted practices, the Passamaquoddy face challenges in maintaining and promoting wild blueberry cultivation. The market is flooded with cultivated and non-domestic wild blueberries, driving down prices and threatening the viability of traditional hand-raking methods. However, the tribe is addressing these challenges through innovation and education. A USDA Value-Added Producer Grant in 2020 enabled the development of a brand for their wild blueberries, giving them control over their story and market positioning. “We ventured to create our own brand of wild blueberries, giving us control over our story – we can share not only the importance of wild blueberries to Maine but the importance of this incredible fruit to Maine’s First Nations” says Holli. By promoting the superior antioxidant content and cultural significance of wild blueberries, the Passamaquoddy are creating a niche market that values sustainability and indigenous heritage.

This grant also allowed the Passamaquoddy to find ways to strike a balance between using technology to their advantage while also preserving their hand-raking traditions. Like many others in the agricultural industry, they are beginning to explore the use of AI and other advanced technologies in their blueberry farming practices. The hope there is to be able to enhance efficiency and sustainability. AI technologies are now being developed to identify and manage weeds more effectively in wild blueberry fields which limits unnecessary herbicide use, and at the sorting facilities, advanced sorting machines can use AI to sort berries by size and detect and remove defective berries more efficiently. More on that later.

The Passamaquoddy’s approach to wild blueberry cultivation is a testament to the power of tradition and sustainability. By sharing their story, we can all learn valuable lessons about respecting nature, preserving cultural heritage while advocating for Indigenous rights and supporting sustainable food systems.

For the city kids who didn’t get to play soccer, tennis, basketball, or track and field at the Melnea Cass Recreational Complex in Roxbury all spring, it’s probably tough to understand that the reason is because a bunch of adults almost 500 miles away can’t get their act together. They’d likely be similarly confused to learn that their fieldhouse became a shelter for dozens of vulnerable kids who came to America because adults in their native countries couldn’t get it right there either.

When I lived in Roxbury while attending law school, after becoming the first in my family to graduate high school and college, I played ball at Washington Park (also known as Malcom X Park), usually the only white guy, and probably with the dads of some of the kids barred from the Cass complex the last few months, before it finally reopened last week.

Before that, I was an inner-city kid myself with limited access to sports facilities, and even fewer avenues out of what was then, and remains, one of the most impoverished and dangerous neighborhoods in America.

So the Cass complex’s conversion to a migrant shelter really hit home.

I recently visited Yuma, Arizona, where I was stationed during my time as a U.S. Marine Judge Advocate, to witness the problem firsthand. The crisis I saw there, which is hurting working families here in Massachusetts, is two-fold: national security and humanitarian.

As much as 50% of the fentanyl tearing apart our communities comes through Yuma, Arizona. Not only is Washington’s inability to solve this crisis hurting those who already live in America, but the migrants being trafficked alongside it are also at risk. Asylum seekers hoping for a better life in the U.S. face a treacherous journey at the hands of the cartels. Women and children are raped or abused by traffickers who don’t care if they survive.

Congressional inability to address the serious problems facing this country is no longer a theoretical exercise or a punchline; it’s harming our kids’ development and quality of life. In Massachusetts, we see other tangible impacts. Governor Maura Healey has projected the emergency shelter program will cost nearly $1 billion next fiscal year, in addition to $700 million already spent this year, while our state’s one-party leaders have implored their counterparts in Washington – like Senator Elizabeth Warren – to address this exploding crisis.

What else could that $1.7 billion be doing in Massachusetts? How about repairing our roads and transit system, in such dangerous disrepair? Or ameliorating the educational crisis? In Boston, our kids aren’t just losing access to the Cass complex; the school district itself is teetering on receivership.

Do you think the rest of the state might benefit from $1.7 billion to help combat an upswing in violent crime? In 2022, the most recent year for which federal data is available, violent crime in Massachusetts rose, while dropping nationwide. Some of the alleged perpetrators made their way into Massachusetts by claiming to be refugees before committing violent crimes. Police departments, diversion programs, substance abuse and recovery efforts – all of these could benefit from precious state funds now being funneled into a problem that Washington created and refuses to fix.

Working families are suffering because of Washington dysfunction, and no amount of press releases, viral videos, or soundbites will fix that. Nor will new taxes from cannabis, gambling, or millionaires.

That’s a big reason I’m running against Senator Warren this year; it’s not just that Washington is broken, it’s that Washington is breaking great states like Massachusetts. Senator Warren voted against the bipartisan border legislation, voting with MAGA Republicans to sink the bill at the cost of her own constituents. Even worse, Senator Warren is talking out of both sides of her mouth on the issue.

This is the problem with Washington politicians – on both sides of the aisle. They become beholden to the special interest groups who exact outlandish policy promises to help them win primaries while red and blue states become even more polarized. It’s a cynical way to run a country, and those who have become a part of it should examine whether they’ve stayed true to their promise to voters.

I am running to be your senator to stand up for the poor and middle class. I have fought for the underdog my entire life, and I’ll do the same in the Senate. This era of gridlock and cynicism has to end.

The kids who run and play ball at the Cass complex don’t deserve to lose another season.

John Deaton is a Republican candidate for U.S. Senate and an attorney specializing in representing asbestos victims suffering from mesothelioma.